In 1984, Dr. Zona (Dotty) Weeks wrote a proposal for graduate level occupational therapy programs at the University of Indianapolis. A grant was received from Lilly Endowment to help develop the programs. Dr. Weeks became the Department of Occupational Therapy Chairperson in January 1985.
With additional faculty, the curricula for two master’s degree programs were developed, one for entry level professional studies (Master of Occupational Therapy - MOT) and one for advanced postprofessional studies (Master of Health Sciences - MHS). Course work for both programs began in the fall of 1985.
The first MOT class graduated in December 1987.
In October 1990, the Department of Occupational Therapy became the Graduate Programs in Occupational Therapy.
In July 1993, Dr. Penelope A. Moyers assumed the duties of Program Director.
In April 2000, the Graduate Programs in Occupational Therapy became the School of Occupational Therapy (SOT) with Dr. Moyers as its first Dean.
In fall 2001 SOT developed a postprofessional doctoral degree (Doctor of Health Sciences - DHS).
Dr. Candace Beitman assumed responsibility as Interim Dean and Program Director of the MOT Program in July 2004.
Dr. Kate DeCleene became MOT Program Director in August 2007. Since the Fall of 2007, the SOT and KSPT, while maintaining their separate identities, have operated under the newly formed College of Health Sciences (CHS). The Entry Level Professional Program in the School of Occupational Therapy is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
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